Coming Fall 2025: Connect Academy High School

We are proud to announce that Connect Academy High School will officially open in Fall 2025, expanding our continuum of care to support students in grades 9–12 (ages 14–21). Located at 105 West Army Trail Boulevard, Addison, IL 60101, this new program continues our commitment to providing individualized, therapeutic education that empowers every student to grow academically, emotionally, and socially.

Connect Academy High School will serve students with emotional disabilities, other health impairments, high-functioning autism, and specific learning disabilities. The program is designed to meet students where they are—supporting their IEP goals through a curriculum aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and graduation requirements, while also preparing them for transition back to their home district when appropriate.

Key features of the program include:

• A therapeutic, academically rigorous environment built around personalized instruction and integrated supports.
• Small class sizes (maximum of 10 students) with a 5:1 student-to-staff ratio to ensure every learner receives consistent, individualized attention.
• A focus on college and career readiness, including vocational training and community-based learning experiences.
• Targeted instruction in life and soft skills—such as following directions, sequencing tasks, and maintaining a neat workspace—to build independence and real-world confidence.
• Comprehensive social-emotional learning and therapeutic services, including art therapy and behavioral support, embedded throughout the school day.
  
  

We are also excited to welcome Jan Donovan, Ph.D., as the founding Site Administrator for Connect Academy High School. Dr. Donovan brings decades of experience in therapeutic education and will lead the launch of this new program with a strong emphasis on teamwork, student empowerment, and family collaboration. A full staff spotlight on Dr. Donovan will be shared soon.

As we prepare to welcome our first cohort of students in 2025, we look forward to partnering with districts, families, and community stakeholders to ensure a smooth referral and enrollment process. More information about admissions, services, and student supports can be accessed via our Referrals Page.
Connect Academy High School is more than a new building, it’s an extension of our mission: to maximize students’ strengths and minimize the impact of their disabilities through education, therapy, and trust-building relationships.

Stay tuned for updates and referral information as we bring this exciting new program to life.

Refer a Student

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